Top 5 Ways to Survive Freshman Year (as told by a current freshman)

From the haziness of frat parties to the craziness of classes, freshman year can be incredibly exhausting-mentally, physically, and emtionally. College is a difficult adjustment, so here are five ways to survive (and maybe even thrive) during your freshman year (or any other year).

1. Breathe. College is crazy enough without having anxiety and panic attacks. Take each day a step at a time and just know that there are thousands of teens going through the same exact experience right now. It’s okay to not have a positive career path just yet. It’s okay to not know what you’re doing or where you’re going. Just breathe. You aren’t alone.

2. Call Home. Don’t be that annoying kid who forgets about their family as soon as they enter college. Your parents love you and miss you like crazy. Chances are, calling home will make both of your days so much better.

3. Don’t be antisocial. If you’re like me and love Netflix, put that thing on pause and go out and live your life. Make friends, go to parties, live it up. Like everyone says “It’s the best four years of your life”. Netflix will be there when you get back. The friends you make in college are with you for the rest of your life (the good ones that is) so you don’t want to miss this opportunity.

4. Stay Organized. From day one make sure you’re prepared. Don’t be a little freshman and ask anyone to borrow a pen or piece of paper. Buy your books and start doing your assignments right away. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. You’ll be so overwhellmed that you won’t know what to dxo with yourself. Be on top of your classes and make time to see your professors at office hours. They’ll see that you put in extra effort and you’ll be rewarded for it later through internships and research opportunities.

5.Find a Stress Outlet. Whether it’s going to the gym or talking to a friend, make sure you have some way to relieve your stress. It’s bound to happen-college students get stressed, but just make sure you know how to cope with it and don’t let it run your life.

HAVE FUN AND REMEMBER THAT YOU’RE AT RUTGERS UNIVERSITY! YOU’VE MADE IT SO FAR ALREADY! ONLY 4 MORE YEARS TILL GRADUATION. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!